The temple is one of the major Shiva temples in Kerala counted along with the Ettumanoor Mahadevar Temple, Kaduthruthy Mahadeva Temple, Vaikom Temple, Ernakulam Shiva Temple and Vadakkunathan temple. There are shrines for Ganesha, Dakshinamurthy, Subramanya, Sastha, Krishna, Nilagriva, Sthalisha, Hanuman, Ganga and Serpent deities inside and outside the temple complex.
The temple is popularly counted as one of the major Bhagavathy temples in Kerala. The temple celebrates a rare menstruation festival for Bhagavathy, called Thripputhu, during when the temple is closed for three days during the irregular menstruation of the deity. There are five daily poojas done in temple, three Sarabalies for Shiva and three for Bhagavathy. Tantric worship is done by Thazhaman. The yearly festival is celebrated during the December–January which lasts 28 days.
Legend
As per Hindu legend, Bhagavathy is considered as the god of Kerala and protector of masses. It is believed that Parvathi, the consort of Shiva, came here after marrying him in the Himalayas. Parvathi got her menstrual period for 28 days. Bhagavathy is thus considered a reincarnation of Sati, where her Kamakhya Temple fell in the North.Another variant of the same legend indicates that sage Agasthya, who could not witness the sacred marriage of Shiva and Parvathi was visited by the pair after the marriage. Since Parvathi was in her menstrual period, she waited for 28 days to give darshan to the sage.
Festival and worship practises
There are five daily poojas done in temple, three Sarabalies for Shiva and three for Bhagavathy. Tantric worship is done by Thazhaman. The temple celebrates a rare menstruation festival for Bhagavathy, called Thripputhu, during when the temple is closed for three days during the irregular menstruation of the deity. The appearance of stain in the white garment is considered an aspect of devotion.
Thiruppooth Aratt is a festival celebrated in the temple at least thrice a year when the festival images of Mahadeva and Bhagavathy is taken in a procession on decorated elephants to the Pamba River.
Address: 8JF6+RVP, SH 1, Kizhakke Nada, Chengannur, Kerala 689121
